Helpful Resources

TechOverture

TechOverture is a directory of the computing systems, services and resources that
are important to TU students. OTS Student Computing Services (SCS) is proud to maintain
TechOverture to help students, new and continuing, make the best possible use of the
technology and support TU has to offer.

Since SCS first published TechOverture in 2002, OTS has assembled and presented the
information on computing systems, services and resources most applicable to incoming
students.

Like technology itself, this resource is dynamic. You can use it to become more knowledgeable
and to make better-informed decisions, but you should expect it to change as new technologies
emerge. Let us know how we can make TechOverture even more useful for future classes.

Your NetID

During your campus or course activities, you will use many different computing systems
and services. However, you need only remember one set of login credentials for most:
your TU NetID. It is the first element in your email address (NetID@students.towson.edu) and your
key to campus computing. It is composed of your first initial, the first five letters
of your last name and a number.

Keep your accounts secure, change your password every 90 days.

Use your NetID Tools to change or reset your password and security question.

Laptop problems? The SCS Service Desk will examine and, if possible, repair your ailing laptop. We are usually able to
resolve malware, network configuration and slow performance issues. We can also help
diagnose hardware problems and offer advice. If repairs will be time consuming, you
can make an appointment, stop by Cook 35 and borrow a loaner laptop.

Your Email and News

In partnership with Google, the university provides students with Google-hosted email
accounts including unlimited email, POP/IMAP support, full-featured web calendaring,
contact management and task management.

Access your email

The university holds you responsible for the messages sent to your student address. You
may set-up an automatic forward to some other address if you wish, but don't ignore
your student inbox. Also, know that some of your professors may require you to use Webmail PbG when corresponding with them.

Daily news delivered to your inbox

The university sends a T3 (Towson Tigers Today) message with linked headlines representing
most campus news. Be sure to peruse these headlines each day.

Your Emergency Alerts

Sign up for alerts: scroll to the footer at the bottom of this page, click the "Sign
up for Text Alerts" icon in the left corner and register using your NetID. You will
set a username and password for accessing your alerts account in the future. This
system is supported by the University Police (not SCS) and once activated does not
use your NetID.

Your Registration and Records

Towson Online Services is the web-based system through which all TU students transact business with the
university. Get convenient access to essential activities such as:

Your Cloud-based File Space

In addition to storing your files on USB flash drives, media cards and your computer's
hard drive, you can also keep files online in your cloud-based drives. Your WebMail
Powered by Google account includes a Google Drive with unlimited capacity. The university also provides you with Microsoft Office 365
featuring OneDrive for Business with a terabyte of file space. Keeping files on Google Drive and OneDrive for Business
makes them portable. You'll be able to download and work on them in any campus lab
or on your personal computer or mobile device.

Your Office 365: Word, Excel and PowerPoint

As mentioned above, TU provides each student with Microsoft Office 365. In additional to your rather capacious OneDrive for Business, you can download the
full version of the Office 365 application suite for use on up to five devices for
free. This includes:

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

OneNote

You can also use the online versions of these applications through a web browser without
downloading a thing.

Your Website

Although TU students are not automatically provided with a website, when you recognize the need, you can acquire your TU WordPress site by simply logging into the TU Student WordPress environment. Your student website is an excellent place to build an online portfolio or share
your writing and artwork; and WordPress makes it easy, requiring no additional software.

Your Wi-Fi

To support your Wi-Fi enabled devices, Towson University maintains one of the largest
wireless networks in the Baltimore area.

Use your NetID to connect to tu-secure for safer networking and wider access to resources.

Visitors without a NetID or residents with devices unable to connect to tu-secure
should use tu-openaccess.

Your Protection from Malware

We recommend that students install, run and regularly update Microsoft Security Essentials
on their Windows computers or ClamXav on their Mac computers. You can download both
products free of charge from the OTS Software Downloads page. Be sure to use your NetID to log in if necessary, and remember that SCS can help if you hit a snag.

If you suspect you have a virus or other malware, refer to the Office of Information
Security's Virus/Malware page for instructions on how to deal with an infected computer.

Your ResNet Television & Internet Support

Student Computing Services (SCS) supports the campus ResNet (residential network) with general advice regarding network access and cable TV in the residence halls. If necessary, a ResNet technician can be dispatched to your
room for particularly challenging problems.

Anyone can quickly add funds to your dining plan or retail/vending account with just
your TUID number and a credit card by selecting Add Cash Now in the upper left corner.

This service is supported by Auxiliary Services and uses your OneCard ID (also known as your TUID number) rather than your NetID.

Your Printing

Wouldn't it be great to send files from your computer, tablet or smart phone and print
them at any one of the multiple print stations positioned all over campus? Well that's
wēpa, a flexible cloud-printing solution certain to add a bit more convenience to your
busy life. Print in grayscale or color at any of the 21 wēpa Print Stations positioned
across campus. Login and pay at the print stations by swiping your TU OneCard.

Your Student Employment

The Career Center offers Hire@TU, an online database of internship, employment, networking and career
event opportunities. To start your job search, visit the Career Center site and log in with your NetID. If you're interested in working with SCS, look for
the Student Computing Services Associate job in Hire@TU and check out our employment information.